Motorola Unveils AI-Powered Razr Phones, Integrates Tech from Google, Microsoft, Meta & Perplexity
Motorola is ushering in a new era for its iconic Razr flip phone lineup with a suite of AI-powered features from a range of tech partners, including Google, Meta, Microsoft, and the rising AI search tool Perplexity. The updated Razr, Razr Plus, and Razr Ultra are set to launch on May 15.
In a bold shift from traditional smartphone strategies, Motorola is blending AI tools from multiple providers to enhance user experience. The move not only positions Motorola among smartphone makers pushing AI as a headline feature – but also marks a rare multi-partner integration of AI systems in a single device.
Perplexity App Preinstalled
One of the standout additions is the preinstalled Perplexity AI app, a first for any smartphone. The tool, which functions as an AI-driven search engine and research assistant, is central to Motorola’s “Next Move” feature, offering smart suggestions based on user activity. For instance, if you’re browsing birthday ideas, the phone might suggest generating an invitation image using AI.
Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas described the launch as “a big day for the future of smartphones” during Motorola’s press event.
AI from Google, Meta, and Microsoft Also Onboard
Google’s Gemini assistant will also come preloaded, enabling features like AI-generated travel podcasts or image searches in Google Photos. Microsoft’s Copilot, focused on productivity, will be integrated as well. Meanwhile, Meta’s Llama model will be used to summarize notifications—marking the first time the model is baked into a smartphone by default.
Interestingly, OpenAI’s ChatGPT is absent from the lineup. Motorola says it chose AI tools that excel in specific use cases, highlighting Perplexity’s research focus and Copilot’s productivity edge.
Hands-Free Interaction and Smart Features
The Razr Ultra, the premium model priced at $1,300, introduces an AI assistant that activates when the phone detects eye contact – a feature that works only when the device is partially folded and can be turned off. Other phones in the lineup include the Razr Plus at $1,000 and the base Razr at $700.
These AI integrations go beyond digital assistants. They include advanced notification summaries, on-screen content analysis, and even new image-generation capabilities, offering users a more dynamic, responsive experience.
Broader Industry Context
The launch comes amid mounting scrutiny of Google’s dominance in search. A U.S. federal judge previously ruled that Google holds an unlawful monopoly, raising concerns that its grip could extend to AI. While Google’s AI is present in Motorola’s new phones, the inclusion of competitors like Perplexity suggests a potential shift toward greater platform diversity in mobile AI.
The rollout also occurs as the U.S. tech sector faces pressure from high tariffs on Chinese imports. Despite these challenges, Motorola has kept pricing in line with previous models. The company credits the global manufacturing flexibility of its parent company, Lenovo, for helping manage cost pressures.
“Our aim is to react quickly to market shifts and minimize pricing impact for consumers,” said Maria Jose Martin, Motorola’s North American product marketing director.
With its AI reboot of the Razr series, Motorola is staking a claim in the intensifying race for next-gen smartphones – one powered not just by foldable screens, but intelligent features designed to anticipate the user’s every move.
